Steve Brehm on Preparing For $9 Per Hour Minimum Wage Aug. 1

Steve Brehm on Preparing For $9 Per Hour Minimum Wage Aug. 1

Minnesotans are preparing for an increase in their state’s minimum wage that is to take place Aug. 1. Last year, Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton signed into law a new bill that raises the state’s minimum wage in three phases, Star Tribune reports. In Aug. 2014 the state increased its minimum wage to $8.00 per hour in the first phase. The second phase will increase the minimum wage to $9.00 per hour this Saturday and $9.50 per hour in Aug. 2016.

Minnesota OCS operator Steve Brehm, president of Berry Coffee Co. isn’t worried about the wage increase. In fact, he says it’s about time. “Trying to make ends meet is pretty much impossible for those working at the minimum wage level,” said Brehm. “I’m proud to say we have never posted an entry level job starting at the minimum wage here at Berry Coffee.”

Brehm states that there is no anticipated direct effect to his business as a result of this mandatory wage increase, however, there will be increased costs associated with the wage hike in most other service industries to cover labor cost.

“We can expect to see [price hikes] in all sectors of business that rely on the minimum wage work force,” said Brehm. “But I have no problem paying a little extra for products and services knowing the folks serving me are getting paid a fair wage.”